January 24, (THEWILL) – Renowned artist and founder of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Okundaye, has revealed that she trained 100 Nigerian women residing in Italy in the art of Adire-making to empower them and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Okundaye disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at her Lagos office in Lekki on Wednesday.
She noted that the initiative, undertaken in 2015, was specifically designed to assist Nigerian women in Italy, many of whom had turned to prostitution due to a lack of viable livelihood opportunities.
“I saw the need to help our people, especially the women in Italy, who were struggling and had no real means to support themselves. Adire-making is not just about art; it is a tool for survival and empowerment,” she said.
The program, she explained, was driven by her passion for using art as a vehicle for change. Adire, a traditional Yoruba textile art known for its intricate resist-dyeing techniques, was the focal point of the training.
She underscored the growing global appeal of African textiles, adding that the craft offered the women a chance to achieve financial independence by tapping into the European market’s demand for authentic African artistry.
“This was not just about teaching them a skill. It was about giving them a second chance at life and showing them that they can achieve so much more. By promoting our culture through Adire, they could also represent Nigeria positively wherever they go,” she said.
The initiative, according to Chief Okundaye, was part of her broader mission to change the narrative for Nigerians in the diaspora and restore dignity and pride to those in vulnerable circumstances.
She further emphasised the transformative impact of such skill acquisition programs, describing the training as a pivotal moment in her ongoing efforts to empower women and foster socio-economic change.
“Empowering women through art can break cycles of poverty and dependence. It is not just about survival but about creating opportunities for growth and self-reliance,” she added.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
